Pocosin Arts Exhibit To Open At Dare Arts On March First Friday

Two of eastern North Carolina’s leading art organizations, Dare Arts and Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft, are collaborating to showcase a trio of Pocosin Arts residents’ work in a new exhibition at Dare Arts in Manteo in March. 

The group exhibition, Practicing Persistence, will feature work by Ryan Catalano (ceramics), Hannah Craft (metals), and Henry Merker (wood) who are three long-term residents at Pocosin Arts.

The work included in the exhibition demonstrates the persistence of craft concepts in the studio practice of these three emerging artists. Practicing Persistence will highlight a variety of craft traditions and personal artistic visions, allowing visitors to experience both individual creativity and the collective synergy among the residents.

“Practicing Persistence reflects the creative energy that grows from dedicated time, space, and shared purpose,” said Executive Director of Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft Gretchen Schermerhorn. “Our residents have spent months honing their craft in Pocosin’s studios, transforming raw materials into thoughtful, skillfully executed work. We invite the Outer Banks community to experience both the individuality of each artist’s vision and the collaborative spirit that defines our residency program.” 

There will be an opening reception at Dare Arts on Friday, March 6 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, where visitors can meet Ryan, Hannah, and Henry and view their work. The opening reception is free and open to the public, and will take place during the kick-off of the 2026 First Friday season in downtown Manteo. 

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Pocosin Arts and welcome the work of their resident artists to our gallery,” said Dare Arts Gallery Director Tiffany Lindsey. “It is an exciting opportunity to connect our creative communities across eastern North Carolina. We invite everyone to join us for First Friday to bask in the talent of these three creatives and celebrate the arts of our region.” 

For First Friday, Dare Arts will have Joe Mapp playing live music on the front porch of the Gallery starting at 6:00pm. 

The First Friday Manteo Stroll, where restaurants and shops in downtown Manteo stay open late with specials, sales, and events at their locations, will also be happening. 

Practicing Persistence will remain on display in the Vault Gallery during normal gallery hours March 7-28, 2026.

This project is supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources.

For more information about this exhibit or First Friday, visit DareArts.org or call Dare Arts at (252) 473-5558.

Dare Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization dedicated to encouraging the arts in Dare County through advocacy, enrichment, and opportunity.

Located in Columbia, NC, Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft connects people to lifelong learning experiences through the arts. For more information about Pocosin Arts, visit PocosinArts.org.